Comprehensive OB-GYN of the Palm Beaches

OB-GYNs located in Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, FL

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomies can be performed for different reasons, and today's minimally ­invasive techniques help women enjoy a faster recovery with less discomfort. At Comprehensive OB-GYN of the Palm Beaches in Palm Beach, Wellington, Royal Palm, and West Palm, Florida, Dr. Adler uses state-­of-­the-art techniques combined with extensive experience to achieve optimal results in each patient.

Hysterectomy Q&A

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove either a portion of the uterus or the entire uterus. Sometimes the ovaries are also removed in a procedure called an oophorectomy.

Why is a hysterectomy performed?

A hysterectomy can be performed for different reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

uterine or cervical cancer

very large, symptomatic, recurrent fibroids

chronic and long-term pelvic pain that does not respond to other approaches

very heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) that cannot be adequately controlled using less invasive techniques

uterine prolapse, a painful condition that occurs when the strong bands of tissue or ligaments that support the uterus become weak or damaged, allowing the uterus to “drop” into the vagina, sometimes turning “inside out.”

chronic endometriosis, a painful condition that develops when tissue that normally grows inside the uterus begins to grow outside the uterus

How is a hysterectomy performed?

Hysterectomies can be performed using different techniques depending on the patient's health and anatomy and the reason for the procedure. Some hysterectomies can be performed through the vagina with no need for external incisions. Other hysterectomies can be performed using very small external incisions. These minimally-invasive hysterectomies are associated with faster recovery and less bleeding and tissue damage than traditional hysterectomies that use larger incisions. When a hysterectomy is performed due to cancer, a larger incision usually will be needed to ensure all the cancerous tissue has been removed.

What happens after a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomies typically require a one or two-night hospital stay to enable initial healing to occur before being discharged home. Discomfort can be managed with pain relievers, and sanitary napkins (pads) can be used to control bleeding that can occur for about a week to 10 days after the procedure. Tampons may not be worn during this time. Patients will need to avoid sexual intercourse and strenuous activities for about six weeks to enable the area to heal more fully and to avoid straining the area. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be advised to maintain normal levels of hormones.

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